"Hey, what are you doing? Are you all insane? You can't even tell who your master is?!" The Dark Hall Hall Master shouted in agitation.
"Shut your mouth!" However, at that very moment, one of the three Third Grade Half Ancestors suddenly bellowed.
The moment those words left his lips, a crushing pressure erupted in all directions. The Dark Hall Hall Master was sent flying backward like a scarecrow, slamming violently into a distant wall.
Blood sprayed from his mouth, and the sound of cracking bones echoed continuously from within his body.
In a single strike, the Dark Hall Hall Master had been gravely wounded.
"Someone, seize this arrogant fool!" The elder then pointed at the Dark Hall Hall Master and roared.
As soon as those words were spoken, dozens of figures rushed forward. Using special ropes, they bound the Dark Hall Hall Master with savage force, treating him not as a human but as livestock.
"What is going on? What is this? Why are you doing this to me?!"
The Dark Hall Hall Master was nearly driven to madness. He was truly bewildered by the scene before him.
He had always believed himself to be the master of this place. Even if these people wouldn't follow his commands, surely they would protect him.
But what was this? He, the rightful master, had been tied up like a common prisoner, while Chu Feng… was receiving their bows of reverence.
"Master, welcome home."
Suddenly, the three elders who were kneeling before the enemy spoke in unison.
"Welcome home, Master!!!"
And after the three elders spoke, the thousands of powerful cultivators kneeling on the ground echoed the same words together.
Regardless of their level of cultivation, when they spoke those words, their voices carried profound reverence and joy.
It was as if Chu Feng truly was the master of this place, and they had truly been waiting for his return.
"You… what is this?" Even Chu Feng was somewhat dazed.
He had been certain that these mysterious powerful individuals were the Dark Hall Hall Master's backing.
But now it seemed that was completely wrong—everything was the opposite. These people appeared to be *his* backing instead.
"Master, we know you are still confused."
"But please, Master, come with us. We will take you to see someone, and then, Master, everything will become clear." The leading elder rose to his feet, gesturing toward the great gate, and then led the way for Chu Feng.
Without hesitation, Chu Feng followed.
Guided by the crowd, Chu Feng entered the deepest reaches of this vast domain.
And with each step, his understanding of this place grew anew, for along the way he could see formidable guards wielding Imperial Armaments stationed at every checkpoint. By their bearing alone, it was clear they were thoroughly disciplined.
Passing through layer upon layer of fortified checkpoints, Chu Feng eventually seemed to enter the residential quarters of this domain. He could see children at play, women, and passersby walking along.
But whether they were guards, children, or women, every one of them bore special markings carved into their bodies, and the clothes they wore were woven from distinctive fibers—completely unlike anything he had seen elsewhere.
Most importantly, the moment they spotted Chu Feng, they would drop to one knee and bow deeply, uttering the same words with utter respect: "Greetings, Master."
Chu Feng could even sense that some who were quite young, or who were close to his own age, trembled with excitement the moment they saw him.
It was as though they had been longing for this very day—longing for Chu Feng's arrival.
Though it seemed inconceivable, Chu Feng had a vague feeling that these people harbored an intense, almost fanatical adoration for him.
It was far more than what a mere master would command. In their hearts, Chu Feng was more like a god—and that was why they held him in such supreme reverence.
"Could it be… that I truly am the master of this place?"
The thought arose in Chu Feng's mind, for he was certain they were not members of his clan.